10 free things to do in Toronto on August long weekend
Some of Toronto’s biggest and most popular festivals are just the beginning of what’s on offer.
The August long weekend is upon us, and so are a ton of free events — including some of Toronto’s biggest and most popular festivals.
To help you figure out your schedule, we dove deep into the City of Toronto Festivals & Events calendar. Here’s a list of 10 free things to do between Friday and Monday, for all sorts of ages and interests.
Otîhêw
Location: Little Avenue Memorial Park, 22 Little Ave
Date(s): Fri., Aug. 4–Sun., Aug. 20
Organizer description: “Shakespeare in Action will produce a production of the play Otîhêw by PJ Prudat. Otîhêw is a Métis-Cree re-imagining of Othello that tells the story of an affluent “child of the fur-trade”/ Métis woman bound in the historical “custom-of-the-country” to Desmond, an Afro-Indigenous fur-trader employed by the imperial trading and trafficking institution that drove colonization over sovereign Indigenous lands.”
Click here for more info.
6th Annual Taste of India Festival
Location: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St W
Date(s): Fri., Aug. 4–Sat., Aug. 5
Organizer description: “Taste of India Festival occurs every year at Nathan Phillips Square. This year is the 6th edition of the event celebrating Indian art, culinary and Heritage.”
Click here for more info.
Toronto Caribbean Carnival: The Grand Parade
Location: Lakeshore Blvd W & Exhibition Place, 115 Princes’ Blvd
Date(s): Sat., Aug. 5
Organizer description: “Jump up and wave with thousands of masqueraders on Lakeshore Boulevard as Toronto’s top DJ’s spin the hottest Soca music! There is a paid area with plenty of food, refreshments and more. You can also watch for free along Lakeshore Blvd.”
Click here for more info.
Toronto Patty Fest
Location: Green P Parking Lot - Reggae Lane, 1531 Eglinton Ave W
Date(s): Sat., Aug. 5
Organizer description: “Toronto Patty Fest is a FREE one day all ages food festival celebrating the iconic Jamaican Patty during the month of Emancipation. Toronto Patty makers will converge in Little Jamaica and celebrate Toronto’s most recognizable Caribbean snack food. Witness patty makers push their boundaries of creativity to deliver over the top patty creations, yet staying true to the most delicious and satisfying Caribbean snack food in the world.
“The festival features a DJ that will keep patrons swaying to the sweet sounds of R&B, reggae and soca music, while enjoying a hot patty in one hand and a cold beverage in the other. Face painting and a magician will be on hand to keep children entertained.”
Click here for more info.
Pan In D’Park
Location: Malvern Park/ Malvern Recreation Centre Complex, 30 Sewells Rd
Date(s): Sun., Aug. 6
Organizer description: “Pan In D’Park comprises of Toronto’s top steel bands and avid steel pan performers showcasing their unique sounds as they preserve the cultural musical artform. The event will include Old Mas Characters, DJs, Calypso/Soca Artists, other entertainment and a Marketplace.”
Click here for more info.
Rivalry x Launders: IEM Cologne Finals Watch Party
Location: Offworld Bar, 739 Queen St W 2nd Floor
Date(s): Sun., Aug. 6
Organizer description: “Come join an esports watch party with Counter-Strike commentator and influencer, Launders. Offworld Bar will be livestreaming the IEM Cologne finals, one of Counter-Strike's most prestigious esports events, on the venue’s state-of-the-art projector system.
“Attendees can watch the tournament, mingle with Launders and others, and take part in a variety of surprises planned across the afternoon. Attendees will also receive one free drink token upon arrival to sit back and enjoy the match. All attendees must be 19+ to attend the watch party.”
Click here for more info.
Box Concerts
Location: Cedar Brook Park, 91 Eastpark Blvd
Date(s): Sun., Aug. 6–Sun., Sept. 3
Organizer description: “Box Concerts, presented by Tapestry Opera, is a free summer performance series showcasing a diverse roster of Toronto opera talents on a traveling trailer stage, performing 30-minute sets of classical opera, musical theatre, pop, and original Canadian works. This is a family friendly event. Bring your own seating (if desired).”
Click here for more info.
Girl Power’d at Colborne Lodge
Location: Colborne Lodge Museum, 11 Colborne Lodge Dr
Date(s): Sun., Aug. 6–Sun., Aug. 27
Organizer description: “Come celebrate Emancipation Month at Colborne Lodge in High Park! Participatory dance performances by Girl Power’d will move you to a deeper awareness of West African and Caribbean dance, culture and history. August 6, 13 & 21. Drum Circle led by Master Drummer and Elder Saikou Saho. Drums will be provided or bring your own on August 27. #EmancipationMonth”
Click here for more info.
Think Like a Champion at Montgomery’s Inn
Location: Montgomery’s Inn, 4709 Dundas St W
Date(s): Sun., Aug. 6
Organizer description: “You are invited to join Think Like A Champion! A returning Awakenings program with Jully Black that works to empower the mind, body and soul, is starting with Jully’s iconic 100 Strong & Sexy (100 S.A.S.) program. 100 S.A.S offers classic retro step aerobics, reimagined with high-energy low impact choreographed routines set to Hip Hop, R&B, Dancehall, Soca, Afro-Beats, and Gospel music.
“This class will explore the history of emancipation and the journey towards freedom. The classes are designed for all ages, fitness levels and abilities. T.P.O.S. connects members with their bodies in ways that boost self-confidence and self-worth.
Click here for more info.
Live at the Clark Centre for the Arts with City Hall Live
Location: Clark Centre for the Arts, 191 Guildwood Pkwy
Date(s): Monday, Aug. 7
Organizer description: “Scarborough is a diverse and vibrant community, filled with people who are working hard every day to make their city a better place. With this music series, we aim to give them a space to connect with Canadian artists and gather with fellow community members.”
Click here for more info.
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